Folgado is a word you’ll hear a lot in Brazil. Unfortunately for students of Brazilian Portuguese it can be complicated to figure out what it actually means.
In today’s video I break down the word folgado and give you some examples to help you better understand how to use it.
Pronunciation of Folgado
Click here to hear the word pronounced by linguee.
Notice that the l isn’t stressed, similar to the word sol.
Folgado Mnemonic
Creating cute stories and weird associations around foreign words makes them easier to remember. The way I remember folgado is by breaking it up into two parts, “fold” and “gato.
Then I think of a lazy cat who sits around folded up in a chair sleeping all day while everyone around them is working.
Uses of Folgado
Folgado as Lazy
The first use of folgado ties into that silly cat story. Folgado can be used to describe someone who is lazy, a slacker or a mooch. I was feeling like a folgado when I made this video which is why I filmed it in bed.
Folgado as Opportunistic
Somebody who takes advantage of the good nature of other people can be described as folgado. In English we might call them a freeloader or a hustler. The Brits might call this person a cheeky bastard.
To better understand this concept, I suggest watching the video Namorado Folgado.
Folgado as Creepy
Somebody who exhibits creepy behavior towards females can be described as folgado. If a smelly guy interrupts a group of girlfriends having dinner to ask one of them for their number, he could be described as folgado, amongst other things.
Other Uses of Folgado
Several people have chimed in on the comments on Youtube video with other examples of how folgado can be used.
How have you heard Folgado used?
Now it’s your turn. If you’re Brazilian (or almost there) share the last time you heard folgado used.
If you’re a student, share an story from your life where you might have called someone folgado.
